Self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning appliance and cleaning system

ABSTRACT

A self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance is provided which includes at least one cleaning unit and a dirt collecting container having a container interior, a bottom wall, a dirt inlet opening and a dirt outlet opening formed on the bottom wall, wherein dirt particles are transferable by means of the at least one cleaning unit into the container interior. To enable easy removal of dirt particles from the dirt collecting container while achieving a simple design, the floor cleaning appliance has a valve device actuatable by air pressure and arranged at the dirt outlet opening with at least one valve body which, in a closed position, at least partially forms the bottom wall and closes the dirt outlet opening and is transferable into an open position in which the dirt outlet opening is at least partially uncovered. The invention further relates to a cleaning system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of international application number PCT/EP2013/075829, filed on Dec. 6, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance which comprises at least one cleaning unit and a dirt collecting container which comprises a container interior, a bottom wall, a dirt inlet opening and a dirt outlet opening, wherein dirt particles are transferable by means of the at least one cleaning unit into the container interior and the dirt outlet opening is formed on the bottom wall.

The invention also relates to a cleaning system, comprising a self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance and a suction station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

EP 2 407 074 A2 describes different embodiments of a cleaning system comprising a floor cleaning appliance and a suction station. Each embodiment has a blowing outlet and a suction inlet of the suction station. Compressed air is applied to the container interior via the blowing outlet in order to swirl up dirt particles deposited therein. The dirt particles are drawn off via the suction inlet by the suction unit of the suction station and deposited in its dirt collecting container. All embodiments have the disadvantage of a complex construction comprising numerous components which must, in part, be actively moved. It also proves to be disadvantageous to swirl up the dirt particles. In the dirt collecting container of the floor cleaning appliance, there is formed a stream of dirt particles which collect on a cleaning brush of the device, contaminate it and are not sucked out of the dirt collecting container at all. Indeed, in order to clean the cleaning brush, a cleaning apparatus can be provided at the suction station which, however, makes the design of the cleaning system yet more complex. It is also disadvantageous that, due to the stream, the dirt particles emerge laterally past the cleaning brush out of the dirt collecting container and into the surroundings without being sucked away.

A cleaning system described in EP 0 769 923 B1 comprises a dirt collecting container on the bottom wall of which is arranged a plurality of flaps that are to be actuated actively. If the floor cleaning appliance is at the suction station, the flaps are opened. Dirt particles fall out of the dirt collecting container through a grille at the suction station onto a conveyor belt, are transported therewith to a suction channel and are sucked away by a suction unit of the suction station. The bottom wall of the dirt collecting container is arranged at a spacing from the grille. Dirt particles which fall down can miss the grille and contaminate the suction station and the surroundings.

An object underlying the present invention is to provide a floor cleaning appliance of the aforementioned type and a cleaning system which enables easy removal of dirt particles from the dirt collecting container while achieving a simple design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, a self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance comprises at least one cleaning unit and a dirt collecting container which comprises a container interior, a bottom wall, a dirt inlet opening and a dirt outlet opening, wherein dirt particles are transferable by means of the at least one cleaning unit into the container interior and the dirt outlet opening is formed on the bottom wall. The floor cleaning appliance has a valve device arranged at the dirt outlet opening with at least one valve body which, in a closed position, at least partially forms the bottom wall and closes the dirt outlet opening and is transferable into an open position in which the dirt outlet opening is at least partially uncovered, and the valve device is actuatable by air pressure for transferring the at least one valve body from the closed position into the open position.

In a second aspect of the invention, a cleaning system comprises a self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance in accordance with the first aspect, and a suction station which comprises a suction unit, a dirt collecting container to which negative pressure can be applied by said suction unit, and a suction opening which is arranged on the dirt collecting container or on a suction channel connected thereto. The dirt outlet opening aligns in a suction position of the floor cleaning appliance at the suction station at least partially with the suction opening, wherein negative pressure is applicable to the at least one valve body by activating the suction unit of the suction station and said valve body is transferable from the closed position into the open position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary and the following description may be better understood in conjunction with the drawing figures, of which:

FIG. 1: is a perspective view of a cleaning system in accordance with the invention, comprising a suction station (partially in an exploded view) and a floor cleaning appliance in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2: is a perspective view of the floor cleaning appliance of FIG. 1, partially in an exploded view;

FIG. 3: is an enlarged view of the detail A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4: is a partial view of the cleaning system of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 in FIG. 1 when the floor cleaning appliance drives over an approach region of the suction station;

FIG. 5: is a sectional view of the cleaning system of FIG. 1 along the line 5-5 in FIG. 1 when the floor cleaning appliance assumes a suction position;

FIG. 6: is an enlarged representation of detail B in FIG. 5, wherein valve bodies at a bottom wall of the dirt collecting container of the floor cleaning appliance assume a closed position; and

FIG. 7: is a representation in accordance with FIG. 6, wherein the valve bodies assume an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

The present invention relates to a self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance which comprises at least one cleaning unit and a dirt collecting container which comprises a container interior, a bottom wall, a dirt inlet opening and a dirt outlet opening, wherein dirt particles are transferable by means of the at least one cleaning unit into the container interior and the dirt outlet opening is formed on the bottom wall. The floor cleaning appliance has a valve device arranged at the dirt outlet opening with at least one valve body which, in a closed position, at least partially forms the bottom wall and closes the dirt outlet opening and is transferable into an open position in which the dirt outlet opening is at least partially uncovered, and the valve device is actuatable by air pressure for transferring the at least one valve body from the closed position into the open position.

The floor cleaning appliance comprises the valve device which is preferably a component of the dirt collecting container and can be included thereby. One or more valve bodies closes/close the dirt outlet opening in the respective closed position so that the dirt collecting container is completely or substantially completely dirt particle-tight. In that the valve device is actuatable by air pressure, a simple design of the floor cleaning appliance can be achieved. By applying air pressure to the at least one valve body, it can be transferred from the closed position into the open position. In the open position, the dirt outlet opening is at least partially uncovered. Dirt particles can fall out of the dirt collecting container or, preferably, can be removed from the container interior under the effect of the application of pressure. It is particularly advantageous herein if negative pressure is applied to the at least one valve body at its side facing away from the container interior and/or if positive pressure is applied at its side facing toward the container interior. By transferring the at least one valve body into the open position, this enables the dirt particles to be sucked or blown out of the container interior, wherein an air flow through the dirt inlet opening can form. A cleaning brush which is possibly included in the floor cleaning appliance can thus simultaneously be freed from adhering dirt particles.

In the floor cleaning appliance in accordance with the invention, it is advantageous that it and/or a suction station of the cleaning system dispense with parts that are actively moved or to be moved, as are required in the cleaning systems described in EP 2 407 074 A2 and EP 0 769 923 B1. This not only simplifies the design, but also enables the reliability of the floor cleaning appliance and of the cleaning system to be improved in that the possible failure of drives for moving parts is avoided.

With the floor cleaning appliance, it is conceivable that the dirt outlet opening is formed in the bottom wall and that the at least one valve body partially forms the bottom wall. The at least one valve body forms a bottom wall portion.

It is also conceivable that the at least one valve body forms the bottom wall completely and that no further bottom wall portion of the dirt collecting container beyond the at least one valve body exists. The dirt outlet opening can accordingly extend along the entire bottom-side delimitation of the dirt collecting container.

Position and orientation information, for example “above, below, bottom-side, horizontal, etc.” should be understood herein to relate to an operating position of the floor cleaning appliance that the floor cleaning appliance assumes during the intended operation. During intended operation, it is situated, in particular, on a floor surface to be cleaned or, as described further below, on an approach region of the suction station.

Advantageously, the at least one valve body is transferable, in a direction facing away from the container interior, from the closed position into the open position. This provides the possibility, by applying negative pressure from the side facing away from the container interior, of transferring the at least one valve body into the open position to release the dirt outlet opening. In this way, in particular, a suction flow can form through the dirt inlet opening and the container interior.

It can be provided that the valve device has a valve body which, in the closed position, entirely or substantially entirely closes the dirt outlet opening.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the valve device has a valve body which, in the closed position, partially closes the dirt outlet opening.

In particular, a valve body partially closing the dirt outlet opening and a valve body entirely closing the dirt outlet opening can be provided. The valve body respectively entirely closing and partially closing the dirt outlet opening can each form a bottom wall portion of the bottom wall of the dirt collecting container. In the region of an overlap of the valve bodies, the bottom wall can be configured double-walled.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the valve device has two or more valve bodies which, in the closed position, each separately partially and together entirely or substantially entirely close the dirt outlet opening. For example, the valve bodies each form a bottom wall portion of the bottom wall of the dirt collecting container, wherein the bottom wall can be configured double-walled in the region of the overlapping valve bodies.

The valve device preferably has two valve bodies which, in the closed position, lie flatly upon one another for closing the dirt outlet opening. By this means, the possibility is provided that each valve body forms a valve seating for the other valve body. In the closed position, the dirt collecting container is thereby better closed in that the valve bodies can lie sealingly against one another. Each valve body can at least partially close the dirt outlet opening in the closed position.

Preferably, the valve bodies, particularly in the last described advantageous embodiment, are arranged lying upon one another at the dirt outlet opening.

It is favorable if the valve bodies are biased relative to one another in the closed position with valve portions at least partially forming the bottom wall. Due to the bias, valve bodies lying upon one another can contact one another sealingly and in the closed position reliably close the dirt collecting container.

In order to achieve the bias it can be provided that at least one valve body is made of an elastically deformable material. Due to the elasticity, the valve body can be fixed under tension to the dirt collecting container, wherein it contacts the other valve body sealingly and preferably flatly.

It is favorable if the at least one valve body has a flat extent, at least on a valve portion at least partially forming the bottom wall. For example, the valve body is formed as a plate, a disk, a strip or a band. The at least one valve body can have a flat extent overall.

Advantageously, the at least one valve body is convexly arched in the direction toward the container interior. In the closed position, the at least one valve body can be fixed on the dirt collecting container so that it has a convex arch in the direction toward the container interior and sealingly contacts a valve seating. The valve seating is formed, for example, by a further valve body. Preferably, due to elastic deformability, the valve body arched in the closed position can be transferred by the application of pressure and by deformation into the open position.

It is advantageous overall if the at least one valve body is made of an elastically deformable material and is deformable for transfer from the closed position into the open position.

Particularly in the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment, it is favorable if the at least one valve body is transferable autonomously from the open position into the closed position. For example, the valve body deforms reversibly so that from the open position, it can assume the closed position autonomously if no application of pressure takes place and the pressure on the at least one valve body on the side facing toward the container interior and on the side facing away from the container interior is equal or substantially equal.

Favorably, no special restoring apparatus under the effect of which the at least one valve body is transferable from the open position into the closed position is provided in the floor cleaning appliance. Thereby, particularly simple design can be achieved. Merely the elastic deformation of the at least one valve body allows it to resume the closed position from the open position.

The at least one valve body is preferably formed as a single piece.

In an embodiment of simple design, it is advantageous if the at least one valve body has a valve portion at least partially forming the bottom wall and a holding portion by means of which the at least one valve body is held on the dirt collecting container. The valve portion serves for at least partial closing of the dirt inlet opening. The at least one valve body is held on the dirt collecting container by means of the holding portion. For example, it is held at an edge of the dirt inlet opening.

The valve portion can be movably connected to the holding portion or fixed thereto, for example, along a common edge.

In practice, it proves to be advantageous if the holding portion forms a frame bordering the valve portion. The frame can extend, for example, along the entire edge of the dirt inlet opening and can be held thereat. Accordingly, the frame itself can form an edge of the dirt inlet opening or can be a component of this edge. The valve portion is bordered by the frame and thus by the edge and in the closed position at least partially closes the dirt inlet opening.

The at least one valve body can be held on the dirt collecting container in many ways, for example, in force-locking and/or positive-locking manner, by latching, clamping, gluing or stapling.

Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the valve device comprises a holding part with which the at least one valve body is fixed at one edge of the dirt outlet opening on the dirt collecting container. The holding part can also be fixed in many ways, for example, in force-locking and/or positive-locking manner, by latching, clamping, gluing or stapling.

In a particular implementation of the floor cleaning appliance, latching of the holding part with the dirt collecting container has proved advantageous in practice. The at least one valve body can be arranged between the holding part and the dirt collecting container, in particular a bottom wall of the dirt collecting container, and fixed in force-locking and/or positive-locking manner by the holding part.

The at least one valve body and/or the holding part are preferably releasably fixable to the dirt collecting container. This provides the possibility of exchanging or repairing the valve device in the event of damage.

It is conceivable that the at least one valve body and/or the holding part are fixable to the dirt collecting container and/or releasable therefrom manually and particularly tool-free.

Advantageously, the holding part forms a frame which borders the dirt outlet opening. The frame of the holding part can achieve congruence, for example, with a frame-shaped holding portion formed by at least one valve body and can fix said holding portion to the dirt collecting container. The holding part is thereby a component of the edge of the dirt inlet opening or forms this edge, wherein the frame borders the dirt outlet opening.

The at least one valve body and/or the holding part can be fixed on the side facing away from the container interior or on a side facing theretoward on the dirt collecting container.

It is favorable if the at least one valve body is arranged, relative to a side of the floor cleaning appliance, facing toward a set-down surface for the floor cleaning appliance, offset on the dirt collecting container in the direction of the container interior. For example, the holding part, a bottom wall of the dirt collecting container or a bottom wall of a housing of the floor cleaning appliance projects in the direction of the set-down surface beyond the at least one valve body. The at least one valve body is thereby better protected against objects on the set-down surface. The risk that an object situated on the floor surface acts upon the at least one valve body and damages it, for example, as a result of placement of the floor cleaning appliance on the set-down surface, can thereby be reduced.

Advantageously, the floor cleaning appliance has a receptacle for the dirt collecting container and the dirt collecting container is removably positioned in the receptacle. The dirt collecting container can thus be removed from the floor cleaning appliance and manually emptied. Preferably, the dirt collecting container is removed including the valve device held thereon which can also be a component of the dirt collecting container.

The floor cleaning appliance can have an undercarriage with two drive wheels, wherein the dirt collecting container can be positioned on the floor cleaning appliance so that the dirt outlet opening is arranged, in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning appliance, between the drive wheels and, in the longitudinal direction thereof, at the level or approximately at the level of the drive wheels.

The floor cleaning appliance can have a roller brush as a cleaning unit, with which the dirt particles are sweepable from a floor surface to be cleaned.

Alternatively or additionally, the floor cleaning appliance can have a suction unit for applying negative pressure to the container interior, so that dirt particles are sucked into the container interior under the effect of the suction unit and can be deposited therein.

The present invention further relates to a cleaning system, comprising a self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance of the aforementioned type and a suction station. The suction station comprises a suction unit, a dirt collecting container to which negative pressure is applied by said suction unit, and a suction opening which is arranged on the dirt collecting container or on a suction channel connected thereto. The dirt outlet opening aligns in a suction position of the floor cleaning appliance at the suction station at least partially with the suction opening, wherein negative pressure is applicable to the at least one valve body by activating the suction unit of the suction station and said valve body is transferable from the closed position into the open position.

Making use of the suction station, the advantages described above in relation to the floor cleaning appliance in accordance with the invention can be achieved. If the floor cleaning appliance is in a suction position, the suction unit can be activated and negative pressure can be applied to the at least one valve body. Since the at least one valve body is actuatable by air pressure, it can be transferred from the closed position into the open position and the dirt outlet opening can be uncovered at least partially. Since the suction opening at least partially aligns with the dirt outlet opening, dirt particles can be sucked out from the container interior and transferred into the dirt collecting container of the suction station and deposited therein. A suction flow can form through the dirt inlet opening. A cleaning brush of the floor cleaning appliance which may be provided can also be cleaned as a result of the suction flow.

The suction station preferably comprises or forms an approach region for the floor cleaning appliance and the suction opening is favorably formed in the approach region. The floor cleaning appliance can move onto the approach region to assume the suction position. By means of the suction opening, dirt particles can be sucked out of the container interior from below. The approach region comprises or forms, for example, a platform or a ramp into which the dirt collecting container or the suction channel of the suction station is integrated.

It is advantageous if the floor cleaning appliance has an undercarriage with at least one wheel and if the approach region comprises at least one wheel recess in which the at least one wheel is arranged in the suction position of the floor cleaning appliance. In order to assume the suction position, the floor cleaning appliance can move onto the approach region so that the at least one wheel sinks into the at least one wheel recess associated with it. By this means, the floor cleaning appliance can assume a defined position relative to the suction station, so that its suction position can be defined.

The at least one wheel recess is preferably a concave formation on the approach region which is, for example, in the form of a groove.

It is favorable if the floor cleaning appliance lowers in the direction toward the suction opening when moving into the wheel recess and makes contact at an edge of the suction opening. If the at least one wheel dips into the wheel recess, the floor cleaning appliance is lowered. The dirt collecting container, in particular, the dirt outlet opening, approaches the suction opening.

The floor cleaning appliance can make contact at an edge of the suction opening, so that the suction opening can be brought into alignment with the dirt outlet opening. This provides the possibility of aligning the dirt outlet opening relative to the suction opening by simple means. In particular, there are required no further parts to be moved with which the suction opening needs to be brought into proximity with the floor cleaning appliance or vice versa. Rather, the dirt outlet opening and the suction opening can find each other effectively “automatically” when the floor cleaning appliance moves into the suction position and the at least one wheel is arranged in the at least one wheel recess.

Advantageously, the approach region has two wheel recesses in each of which a drive wheel of the floor cleaning appliance is arranged in the suction position of the floor cleaning appliance.

Favorably, the suction opening is herein arranged between the wheel recesses.

Once the floor cleaning appliance reaches an edge of the suction opening, this favors the formation of a suction flow through the dirt inlet opening, the dirt outlet opening and the suction opening. Extraneous air cannot or can only to a small extent flow in between the floor cleaning appliance and the edge of the suction opening. Dirt particles are thereby better sucked out of the container interior.

In order to improve the suction result, the suction station preferably comprises at least one sealing element which is arranged at an edge of the suction opening and which contacts an edge of the dirt outlet opening when the floor cleaning appliance assumes the suction position. The sealing element contacts, for example, the aforementioned holding part on the dirt collecting container or another type of portion of the bottom wall of the dirt collecting container. Due to the sealing element, the inflow of extraneous air between the floor cleaning appliance and the suction station is largely prevented. Dirt particles can thus be sucked out more effectively.

The at least one sealing element can be a component of the edge of the suction opening or can form this edge.

Preferably, the at least one sealing element extends along the whole edge of the suction opening. The probability that extraneous air flows in is thereby further reduced.

The at least one sealing element is, for example, held with force-locking and/or positive-locking engagement at the approach region on the edge of the suction opening. The sealing element can comprise a groove into which an edge of the approach region engages at the edge of the suction opening.

It is advantageous if the at least one sealing element comprises a sealing lip which, in a state not contacted by the floor cleaning appliance, protrudes from the suction opening and which is curved by the floor cleaning appliance assuming the suction position and is deformed in the direction toward the suction station. In practice, the provision of the sealing lip proves to be particularly reliable for an effective seal between the floor cleaning appliance and the suction opening. Under the weight of the floor cleaning appliance, the sealing lip is curved and provides for a reliable seal by means of a flat contact with the floor cleaning appliance.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that arranged at the edge of the dirt outlet opening is a sealing element which can sealingly contact an edge of the suction opening.

Preferably, the suction unit of the suction station is activated when the floor cleaning appliance assumes the suction position. Favorably, automatic activation of the suction unit takes place.

The suction unit is activated, for example, for a predeterminable duration. The duration can be set and/or adjusted by the manufacturer and/or the user. For example, the suction unit can be activated for approximately 30 seconds.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the suction unit is activated for a duration which depends on the quantity and/or quality of the dirt particles in the container interior. At least one sensor element can detect the quantity of dirt particles in the container interior and transmit an appropriate signal to the suction station which maintains operation of the suction unit depending on the signal. At least one sensor element which, for example, investigates the transparency of the suction air flowing through the suction channel and provides an appropriate signal to the suction station can also be arranged at the suction channel of the suction station, depending on which, the suction unit is switched off.

It has proved favorable in practice if the suction station comprises at least one actuating element which is actuated by the floor cleaning appliance assuming the suction position in order to activate the suction unit. For example, the floor cleaning appliance contacts the at least one actuating element when it moves onto the approach region and a wheel descends into the wheel recess.

Favorably, the suction station comprises two actuating elements which are configured as electrical contact elements and cooperate with electrical contact elements on the floor cleaning appliance for supplying electrical energy to at least one rechargeable battery of the floor cleaning appliance. The contact elements can simultaneously be regarded as actuating elements. In the suction position, not only is dirt sucked out of the container interior, but the battery of the floor cleaning appliance can be charged.

As previously mentioned, the suction station can comprise a suction channel. The suction channel can comprise the suction opening and can open into the dirt collecting container at the suction station.

Advantageously, the suction channel extends at least partially beneath an approach region of the suction station for the floor cleaning appliance and comprises a suction channel cover which is releasably connectable to the approach region. The suction channel cover can preferably be released manually and without tools from the approach region in order to open the suction channel. By this means, the suction channel can be cleaned in a user-friendly and simple manner.

The cleaning system can comprise a sensor system which enables the floor cleaning appliance to move into the suction position. For example, contactless orientation of the floor cleaning appliance is conceivable using at least one camera, an infrared receiver or an ultrasonic receiver. Suitable radiation can be emitted and/or reflected by the suction station. Use can also be made of odometric data and/or a map of the room to be cleaned in which the position of the suction station is stored.

Alternatively or additionally, it is favorable if the suction station comprises at least one guide element for guiding the floor cleaning appliance when it moves into the suction position. When the floor cleaning appliance moves onto the approach region, it can use the at least one guide element as a guiding aid in order to enable or improve maneuvering into the suction position.

The guide element is preferably a guide projection which is contacted by the floor cleaning appliance on moving into the suction position and along which the floor cleaning appliance moves. The guide projection serves for contact-based guidance of the floor cleaning appliance. Herein, for example, a floor cleaning appliance and a method can be used as described in DE 10 2012 104 326 A1. The guide projection is, for example, a bulge or a rib at the edge of the approach region.

It has proved to be advantageous if the suction station comprises two guide elements, in particular two guide projections between which an approach region of the suction station for the floor cleaning appliance is arranged.

FIG. 1 shows, in a perspective representation, an advantageous embodiment of a cleaning system in accordance with the invention identified with the reference numeral 10. The cleaning system 10 comprises a suction station 12 and an advantageous embodiment of a floor cleaning appliance 14 in accordance with the invention.

The floor cleaning appliance 14 is configured self-propelling and self-steering and can move autonomously on a floor surface to be cleaned. For this purpose, the floor cleaning appliance 14 comprises an undercarriage 16. The undercarriage 16 comprises two powered driving wheels 18, 19 and two steering rollers 20, 21.

The undercarriage 16 is held on the underside 22 of a housing 24 of the floor cleaning appliance 14. The drive wheels 18, 19 are arranged in the longitudinal direction 26 of the floor cleaning appliance 14 approximately in the middle thereof. The longitudinal direction 26 corresponds to a main movement direction of the floor cleaning appliance 14 when it is moved on the floor surface. The steering rollers 20, 21 are arranged close to a front side 28 of the floor cleaning appliance 14.

The drive wheels 18, 19 are drivable by drive motors not shown in the drawings. The drive motors draw electrical energy from at least one rechargeable battery 30 which is arranged in a receptacle chamber 31 close to the front side 28.

The battery 30 also supplies a drive motor for a cleaning unit 33 of the floor cleaning appliance 14 with energy, which drive motor is also not shown in the drawings. The cleaning unit 33 is arranged in a cleaning chamber 34 beneath the battery 30. The cleaning unit 33 is configured as a roller brush 36 with which dirt particles on the floor surface to be cleaned can be swept up. The roller brush 36 is rotatingly drivable about a rotation axis which extends in a transverse direction 38 of the floor cleaning appliance 14. The transverse direction 38 is oriented in FIGS. 5 to 7 perpendicularly to the drawing plane.

In the longitudinal direction 26 in the housing 24 behind the cleaning chamber 34 a receptacle 40 is formed. The receptacle 40 is arranged between the drive wheels 18, 19 in the transverse direction 38. A dirt collecting container 42 is positioned in the receptacle 40. The dirt collecting container 42 can be removed from the receptacle 40 and placed therein manually and, in particular, without tools.

The dirt collecting container 42 forms a container interior 44. A dirt inlet opening 48 is formed in a wall 46 of the dirt collecting container 42 facing toward the cleaning chamber 34. Dirt particles can be conveyed from the roller brush 36 through the dirt inlet opening 48 into the container interior 44 and deposited therein.

A cleaning unit 51 is accommodated in the longitudinal direction 26 behind the dirt collecting container 42 in a suction chamber 50 of the floor cleaning appliance 14. The cleaning unit 51 is configured as a suction unit 52. The suction unit 52 is also operable using the energy of the battery 30. Negative pressure can be applied to the container interior 44 under the effect of the suction unit 52. Dirt particles are thereby also conveyed under the effect of the suction unit 52 into the container interior 44.

The dirt collecting container 42 has at the underside 22 a wall 54 which partially forms a bottom wall 56 of the dirt collecting container 42. Formed in the bottom wall 56 is a dirt outlet opening 58. The dirt outlet opening 58 comprises a through hole of the wall 54. The floor cleaning appliance 14 comprises a valve device 60 which is a component of the dirt collecting container 42 and is encompassed thereby. The valve device 60 is arranged on the dirt outlet opening 58. Reference is made, in particular, to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7.

The valve device 60 which will now be described is actuatable by air pressure and serves for optional closing or uncovering of the dirt outlet opening 58 in order that dirt particles can be collected in the container interior 44 or removed therefrom, in particular, by sucking out.

The valve device 60 comprises a first valve body 62 and a second valve body 64 and a holding part 66. The valve bodies 62, 64 each have a flat, strip-form or band-form configuration and are made in a single piece of an elastically deformable material, for example a rubber material. The valve bodies 62, 64 are rectangular and have the same size.

Each valve body 62, 64 has a holding portion 68. Each holding portion 68 forms a frame 69. The frame 69 is dimensioned so that it borders the through hole of the wall 54 and thus the dirt outlet opening 58.

The frame 69 of the valve body 62 borders a valve portion 70 thereof which extends in the region of the opening bordered by the frame 69. The valve portion 70 is connected to the frame 69 only along a common edge 72. By contrast, the valve portion 70 is not connected along three further edges of the frame 69 which face toward the valve portion 70. This allows the valve portion 70 to deform when pressure is applied so that it becomes removed from the frame 69 apart from the connection via the common edge 72. The opening bordered by the frame 69 is partially uncovered thereby.

In a corresponding manner, the frame 69 of the valve body 64 borders an opening. The valve body 64 has a valve portion 74 which is arranged in the opening bordered by the frame 69, partially closing said opening. The valve portion 74 is thereby dimensioned so that it covers only approximately one fifth of the opening bordered by the frame 69. In contrast, the remainder of the opening bordered by the frame 69 is free.

The valve portion 74 is connected to the frame 69 only along one edge 76. The edge 76 is arranged opposite to the edge 72 in the valve body 62. The valve portion 74 is not connected to the other sides of the frame 69 facing toward the valve portion 74.

If pressure is applied to the valve portion 74, it can deform so that the opening bordered by the frame 69 can be uncovered to a greater extent.

The holding part 66 forms a frame 78 and borders a through opening 79. The frame 78 is dimensioned so that the through opening 79 aligns with the openings bordered by the frames 69 of the valve bodies 62, 64 and furthermore, with the through hole in the wall 54. Accordingly, like the openings in the frames 69, the through opening 79 is also equal to the dirt outlet opening 58 or a constituent thereof.

The valve bodies 62, 64 are fixed to the wall 54 with the holding part 66. For this purpose, the holding part 66 can be fixed at the edge 80 of the dirt outlet opening 58. The fixing takes place in this case by latching, wherein latch hooks 81 on the wall 54 can engage in latch receptacles 82 on the holding part 66. Another type of connection, for example, by clamping is also possible.

The valve bodies 62, 64 are arranged between the holding part 66 and the wall 54 and are fixed on the wall 54 in force-locking and positive-locking manner by the holding part 66. The valve bodies 62, 64 are clamped between the wall 54 and the holding part 66. Furthermore, projections 84 on the holding part 66, which are peg-shaped here, penetrate through holes 85 on the frame 69 and provide for a positive-locking seating. Herein, the frames 69 abut one another.

The valve device 60 is arranged with the holding part 66 and the frames 69 of the valve bodies 62, 64 at the edge 80 of the dirt outlet opening 58 so that the holding part 66 can be regarded as a component of the edge 80 of the dirt outlet opening 58 or as forming it.

The valve bodies 62, 64 are fixed to the wall 54 so that they lie flat against one another when the pressure in the container interior 44 is equal to the pressure outside the container interior 44 (FIG. 6). The valve portion 70 lies flat along a strip on the valve portion 74. Each valve body 62, 64 thereby forms with its valve portion 70 or 74 a valve seating for the respective other valve portion 74 or 70.

The holding part 66 and the wall 54 are formed at the edge 80 so that the valve bodies 62, 64 are convexly curved in the direction of the container interior 44. As a result of the elastic configuration of the valve bodies 62, 64, the valve portions 70, 74 are thereby biased against one another. The valve portions 70, 74 thus lie sealingly against one another.

By this means, each valve body 62, 64 assumes a closed position. In the respective closed position, the dirt outlet opening 58 is at least partially closed by the respective valve portion 70, 74. The valve portion 70 is dimensioned so that it substantially completely closes the dirt outlet opening 58 by itself. The valve portion 70 accordingly forms a bottom wall portion 86 of the bottom wall 56.

The valve portion 74 correspondingly forms a bottom wall portion 88 of the bottom wall 56. At the region where the valve portions 70, 74 lie against one another in the respective closed position, the bottom wall 56 is accordingly configured double-walled. However, the valve portion 74 closes the dirt outlet opening 58 only partially by itself and to the extent that it is able to close the opening bordered by the frame 69 of the valve body 64.

In the respective closed position of the valve body 62, 64, the container interior 44 is sealingly closed. Dirt particles therefore cannot fall out of the container interior 44 since due to the valve portions 70, 74 lying against one another, a seal which is reliable for the intended use of the floor cleaning appliance 144 comes about. By this means, in the intended use of the floor cleaning appliance 14, dust sucked into the container interior 44 can be collected.

In the transverse direction 38 between the drive wheels 18, 19 on the underside 22, a through hole 90 in the housing 24 is provided. The valve device 60 is arranged in the through hole 90 when the dirt collecting container 42 is positioned in the receptacle 40. The holding part 66 is closer to the floor surface than the valve bodies 62, 64. The risk of an ingress of objects situated on the floor surface and possibly damage to the valve portions 70, 74 is thereby reduced.

For emptying the dirt collecting container 42, it can be removed from the receptacle 40 and manually emptied. However, for automatic emptying, in the cleaning system 10, the suction station 12 is provided. With the suction station 12, dirt can be sucked out of the container interior 44 as will now be described.

The suction station 12 has an approach region 92 onto which the floor cleaning appliance 14 can move and by means of which the suction station 12 stands on the floor surface. The approach region 92 comprises a ramp 94. The ramp 94 has an inclination relative to the horizontal which in the present case is approximately 5° to approximately 10°.

The floor cleaning appliance 14 can move over the ramp 94 along the main movement direction 26 so that references to the longitudinal direction 26 and to the transverse direction 38 of the floor cleaning appliance 14 can also be used for references in relation to the suction station 12.

The ramp 94 comprises two wheel recesses 96, 97 spaced from one another in the transverse direction 38 into which the drive wheels 18, 19 of the floor cleaning appliance 14 can be received. The wheel recesses 96, 97 are configured in the form of grooves and have a longitudinal extent lying in the transverse direction 38.

Formed between the wheel recesses 96, 97 on the ramp 94 is a suction opening 98. The suction opening 98 comprises a through hole of the ramp 94. Positioned on the ramp 94 between the suction opening 98 and the wheel recesses 96, 97 in each case is an approach portion 99, 100. By means of the approach portion 99, 100, the steering rollers 20, 21 can be moved when driving over the approach region 92.

In the longitudinal direction 26, a functional region 102 of the suction station 12 adjoins the approach region 92. The functional region 102 comprises a housing 104. In the housing 104 a suction unit 106 is accommodated and a dirt collecting container 108 is formed. By means of the suction unit 106, negative pressure can be applied to the dirt collecting container 108.

The suction station 12 comprises a suction channel 110 which opens into the dirt collecting container 108. The suction channel 110 extends partially on the rear side of the housing 104 in the direction of the floor surface. In addition, the suction channel 110 extends with a portion adjacent thereto under the approach region 92. The suction opening 98 is arranged at the end of the suction channel 110 facing away from the dirt collecting container 108.

The suction station 12 has a suction channel cover 112 on the floor side. The suction channel cover 112 partially forms a wall of the suction channel 110 and is releasably connected to the approach region 92, for example, by latching. This allows a user, by removing the suction channel cover 112, to open and clean the suction channel 110 partially, if required.

At the suction opening 98, by means of the suction unit 106, a negative pressure can be provided through the dirt collecting container 108 and the suction channel 110.

The suction station 12 comprises a sealing element 114. The sealing element is arranged at an edge 116 of the suction opening 98. In the present case, the sealing element 114 is held on the ramp 94 by means of force-locking and positive-locking engagement. A border of the suction opening 98 engages with positive and clamping engagement in a groove 118 of the sealing element 114. The sealing element 114 can be regarded as a component of the edge 116 of the suction opening 98 or as forming said edge. The sealing element 114 is a closed structure and extends along the entire edge 116.

In particular, the sealing element 114 comprises a circumferential sealing lip 120. The sealing lip 120 extends upwardly from the ramp 94 when a force directed onto the ramp 94 is no longer applied to it. This is not shown in the drawings.

For emptying the dirt collecting container 42, the floor cleaning appliance 14 can move onto the approach region 92 into a suction position. This is shown in FIG. 4, in which the floor cleaning appliance 14 is moved in the longitudinal direction 26, wherein the drive wheels 18, 19 are not yet situated in the wheel recesses 96, 97. The position of the sealing element 114 is shown schematically in FIG. 4 by means of dashed contours 122. The suction opening 98 is arranged between the contours 122.

The floor cleaning appliance 14 is moved so far until the drive wheels 18, 19 dip into the wheel recesses 96, 97. Due to the concave design of the wheel recesses 96, 97, this has the result that the floor cleaning appliance 14 lowers and moves in the direction of the ramp 94. This has the result that the dirt collecting container 42 is also lowered and therewith the valve device 60 with the holding part 66.

The floor cleaning appliance 14 assumes a suction position at the suction station 12 when the drive wheels 18, 19 are situated in the wheel recesses 96, 97. In this case, the edges 80 of the dirt outlet opening 58 and 116 of the suction opening 98 lie against one another. In particular, the holding part 66 contacts the sealing element 114 flatly and lies thereagainst. The sealing lip 120 is curved through deformation in the direction toward the ramp 94 (FIGS. 6 and 7). In this way, a sealing connection between the floor cleaning appliance 14 and the suction station 12 is provided. The dirt outlet opening 58 aligns with the suction opening 98.

The suction station 12 comprises at least one actuating element which is actuated by the floor cleaning appliance 14 in its suction position and, by means of its actuation, the suction unit 106 is activated. In the present case, two contact elements 124 are arranged on a front wall 126 of the housing 104 as actuating elements. The contact elements 124 are electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) of the suction station 12 which is coupled to the suction unit 106. In addition, the contact elements 124 are connected to a charging unit (not shown) and can be supplied with electrical energy therefrom.

At the front side 28, the floor cleaning appliance 14 comprises contact elements 128 which are electrically connected to the battery 30. When the floor cleaning appliance 14 assumes the suction position, each contact element 124 contacts a contact element 128. By this means, the battery 30 can be charged.

At the same time, the current flow at the contact elements 124 is detected and a signal is provided for activating the suction unit 106. In the present case, the suction unit 106 is activated for a predeterminable duration, for example approximately 30 seconds.

As mentioned before, the valve device 60 and, in particular, its valve bodies 62, 64 is actuatable by air pressure. In the presence of a certain pressure difference between the air pressure in the container interior 44 and the pressure on the side of the valve bodies 62, 64 facing away from the container interior 44, the valve device 60 is actuated.

When the suction unit 106 is activated, due to the negative pressure arising at the suction opening 98, negative pressure is applied to the valve portion 70 and the valve portion 74. A pressure difference exists. This has the result that the valve bodies 62, 64 are transferred, by deformation of the valve portions 70, 74 from the closed position into an open position (FIG. 7). Herein, the valve portion 70 curves in the direction of the suction opening 98, wherein the valve portion can engage in this opening and also as far as into the suction channel 110. The dirt outlet opening 58 is partially uncovered by the valve portion 70 into its open position.

In a corresponding manner, the valve portion 74 no longer lying against the valve portion 70 can be deformed under the effect of the negative pressure and transferred into an open position. The valve portion 74 partially uncovers the dirt outlet opening 58 into the open position. A passageway 130 is thereby formed between the valve portions 70, 74.

Under the effect of the negative pressure, a suction flow can form. The suction flow extends through the cleaning chamber 34 which is in communication with the atmosphere and through the dirt inlet opening 48 into the container interior 44, through the dirt outlet opening 58, the passageway 130, the suction opening 98 and the suction channel 110 into the dirt collecting container 108. Dirt particles are thereby sucked out of the container interior 44 and deposited in the dirt collecting container 108. Due to the suction flow, dirt particles adhering to the roller brush 36 are also captured and sucked out.

In that the floor cleaning appliance lies sealingly on the holding part 66 on the sealing element 114, the entry of extraneous air between the floor cleaning appliance 14 and the edge 116 is prevented. The dirt collecting container 42 can thereby be emptied particularly effectively.

If the suction unit 106 is deactivated, a pressure equalization on both sides of the valve body 62, 64 occurs. Since the valve portions 70, 74 are elastically deformable, they automatically return from the open position into the closed position in which they again lie against one another for tight closing of the dirt outlet opening 58.

The provision of two valve portions 70, 74 lying against one another in the closed position otherwise also proves advantageous in the normal operation of the floor cleaning appliance 14. Since negative pressure is applied to its container interior 44 by means of the suction unit 52, the valve portion 74 as a valve seating prevents the valve portion 70 from being unintentionally deformed in the direction of the container interior 44. It is therefore advantageous if the valve body 64 closing the dirt outlet opening 58 to only a slight extent is arranged with the valve portion 74 on the side of the valve body 62 facing toward the container interior 44, which valve body substantially completely closes the dirt outlet opening 58 with the valve portion 70.

Following emptying the dirt collecting container 42, the floor cleaning appliance 14 can move away from the approach region 92 and continue the cleaning operation.

For entry into the suction station 12, the floor cleaning appliance 14 has a per se known sensor system which enables contactless orientation of the floor cleaning appliance 14 relative to the suction station 12. This enables the floor cleaning appliance 14 to position itself at the suction station 12 so that it can move into the approach region 92 in straight ahead travel.

The suction station 12 supportingly comprises guide elements 132, 133 which enable a contact-based guidance of the floor cleaning appliance 14 into the suction position. The guide elements 132, 133 are configured as rib-like guide projections 134, 135 on both sides of the approach region 92 and adjacent to the wheel recesses 96, 97.

The floor cleaning appliance 14 can contact the guide projections 134, 135 with contact sensors and thereby be guided in a contact-based manner. Lateral brush covers 136, 137 of the housing 24 serve as contact sensors. The brush covers 136, 137 are displaceable in the transverse direction 38, as described in DE 10 2012 104 326 A1. Depending on the displacement, it is possible for the floor cleaning appliance 14 to so change the direction of travel that it can move in as straight a movement as possible onto the approach region 92 and into the suction position. 

1. A self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance which comprises at least one cleaning unit and a dirt collecting container which comprises a container interior, a bottom wall, a dirt inlet opening and a dirt outlet opening, wherein dirt particles are transferable by means of the at least one cleaning unit into the container interior and the dirt outlet opening is formed on the bottom wall, wherein the floor cleaning appliance has a valve device arranged at the dirt outlet opening with at least one valve body which, in a closed position, at least partially forms the bottom wall and closes the dirt outlet opening and is transferable into an open position in which the dirt outlet opening is at least partially uncovered, and wherein the valve device is actuatable by air pressure for transferring the at least one valve body from the closed position into the open position.
 2. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one valve body is transferable, in a direction away from the container interior, from the closed position into the open position.
 3. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the valve device has a valve body which, in the closed position, entirely or substantially entirely closes the dirt outlet opening.
 4. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the valve device has a valve body which, in the closed position, partially closes the dirt outlet opening.
 5. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 4, wherein the valve device has two or more valve bodies which, in the closed position, each separately and together entirely or substantially entirely close the dirt outlet opening.
 6. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the valve device has two valve bodies which, in the closed position, lie flatly against one another to close the dirt outlet opening.
 7. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 6, wherein the valve bodies are arranged lying over one another at the dirt outlet opening.
 8. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 6, wherein the valve bodies are biased relative to one another in the closed position with valve portions at least partially forming the bottom wall.
 9. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one valve body has a flat extent, at least at a valve portion at least partially forming the bottom wall.
 10. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one valve body is convexly arched in the direction toward the container interior.
 11. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one valve body is made of an elastically deformable material and is deformable for transfer from the closed position into the open position.
 12. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one valve body is transferable autonomously from the open position into the closed position.
 13. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one valve body has a valve portion at least partially forming the bottom wall and a holding portion by means of which the at least one valve body is held on the dirt collecting container.
 14. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 13, wherein the holding portion forms a frame bordering the valve portion.
 15. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the valve device comprises a holding part with which the at least one valve body is fixed at an edge of the dirt outlet opening on the dirt collecting container.
 16. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 15, wherein the holding part forms a frame which borders the dirt outlet opening.
 17. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one valve body is arranged, relative to a side of the floor cleaning appliance facing toward a set-down surface for the floor cleaning appliance, offset on the dirt collecting container in the direction of the container interior.
 18. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the floor cleaning appliance has a receptacle for the dirt collecting container and that the dirt collecting container is removably positioned in the receptacle.
 19. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the floor cleaning appliance has an undercarriage with two drive wheels, and wherein the dirt collecting container is positioned on the floor cleaning appliance so that the dirt outlet opening is arranged, in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning appliance, between the drive wheels and, in the longitudinal direction thereof, at the level or approximately at the level of the drive wheels.
 20. The floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein as a cleaning unit, at least one of a roller brush with which dirt particles are sweepable from a floor surface to be cleaned and a suction unit for applying negative pressure to the container interior is provided.
 21. A cleaning system comprising a self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance in accordance with claim 1 and a suction station which comprises a suction unit, a dirt collecting container to which negative pressure is applicable by said suction unit, and a suction opening which is arranged on the dirt collecting container or on a suction channel connected thereto, wherein the dirt outlet opening aligns in a suction position of the floor cleaning appliance at the suction station at least partially with the suction opening, wherein negative pressure is applicable to the at least one valve body by activating the suction unit of the suction station and said valve body is transferable from the closed position into the open position.
 22. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the suction station comprises or forms an approach region for the floor cleaning appliance, and wherein the suction opening is formed in the approach region.
 23. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 22, wherein the floor cleaning appliance has an undercarriage with at least one wheel and wherein the approach region comprises at least one wheel recess in which the at least one wheel is arranged in the suction position of the floor cleaning appliance.
 24. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 23, wherein the floor cleaning appliance lowers in the direction toward the suction opening when moving into the wheel recess and makes contact at an edge of the suction opening.
 25. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 23, wherein the approach region has two wheel recesses in each of which a drive wheel of the floor cleaning appliance is arranged in the suction position of the floor cleaning appliance.
 26. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 25, wherein the suction opening is arranged between the wheel recesses.
 27. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the suction station comprises at least one sealing element which is arranged at an edge of the suction opening and which contacts an edge of the dirt outlet opening when the floor cleaning appliance assumes the suction position.
 28. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 27, wherein the at least one sealing element extends along the whole edge of the suction opening.
 29. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 27, wherein the at least one sealing element comprises a sealing lip which, in a state not contacted by the floor cleaning appliance, protrudes from the suction opening and is curved by the floor cleaning appliance assuming the suction position and is deformed in the direction toward the suction station.
 30. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the suction unit of the suction station is activated when the floor cleaning appliance assumes the suction position.
 31. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 30, wherein the suction unit is activated for a predeterminable duration.
 32. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the suction station comprises at least one actuating element which is actuated by the floor cleaning appliance assuming the suction position in order to activate the suction unit.
 33. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 32, wherein the suction station comprises two actuating elements which are configured as electrical contact elements and cooperate with electrical contact elements on the floor cleaning appliance for supplying electrical energy to at least one rechargeable battery of the floor cleaning appliance.
 34. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the suction station comprises a suction channel having the suction opening which opens into the dirt collecting container of the suction station.
 35. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 34, wherein the suction channel extends at least partially beneath an approach region of the suction station for the floor cleaning appliance and comprises a suction channel cover which is releasably connectable to the approach region.
 36. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the suction station comprises at least one guide element for guiding the floor cleaning appliance when said floor cleaning appliance moves into the suction position.
 37. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 36, wherein the guide element is a guide projection which is contacted by the floor cleaning appliance on moving into the suction position and along which the floor cleaning appliance moves.
 38. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 36, wherein the suction station comprises two guide elements between which an approach region of the suction station for the floor cleaning appliance is arranged. 